MA Anthropology is a two-year postgraduate course offered by a large number of colleges/ universities in India. This program provides an in-depth study of evolution and socio-cultural development of human beings.
The course covers an advanced study of several branches of Anthropology such as socio-cultural, biological-physical, applied, linguistic and archaeological, dealing with the various aspects of human development.
To be considered eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant stream from a recognized university.
Admission to this course will be done either on the basis of performance of candidates in the entrance exams conducted by the admission authorities or based on candidate’s performance in the Bachelor degree exams. The average course fee charged by the top ranked colleges to pursue this program ranges between INR 5,000 and 2,00,000 annually.
On completion of this program, students can get jobs in profiles such as an Archaeologist, Culture Resource Manager, Linguist, Research Scholar, Curator etc. with an average annual salary ranging between INR 3,00,000 and 10,00,000.
On completion of this course, students can pursue higher studies and advanced academic exploration along with research through MPhil Anthropology and PhD Anthropology courses. This course essentially provides a solid basis for further studies and related prospects.
Also check top MPhil Anthropology Colleges in India here.
The course highlights of MA Anthropology course is provided in the table given below :
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Full-Form | Master of Arts in Anthropology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in any stream |
| Admission Process | Merit Based/ Entrance Exam followed by a round of counselling |
| Average Fees | INR 5,000 to 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annum |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Art Galleries, Conservation Organizations, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. |
| Job Positions | Archaeologist, Culture Resource Manager, Linguist, Research Scholar, Curator, Social Worker - Media House, Archivist, Tour Guide, Urban Planner etc. |
Details about the MA Anthropology program has been stated below.
- MA Anthropology program involves the study of human beings and other living beings and the development of societies over the years.
- The course aims to provide its candidates an insight into advanced learning in the biological, socio-cultural, prehistoric and similar avenues of human evolution.
- The course basically covers an advanced study of several branches of Anthropology such as socio-cultural, biological-physical, applied, linguistic and archaeological, dealing with the various aspects of human development.
- Anthropology is the study of mankind as a whole, from its origin to the present day.
- The course offers those interested, an opportunity to work and relate to people of diverse groups and cultures, and to closely interact with them.
Why Should You Study MA Anthropology?
There are many benefits of pursuing a MA Anthropology course. The main benefits of pursuing this program are as follows:
- Cognizance about humanity: Anthropology helps people gain knowledge about human beings and how behaviour and societies differ from country to country. It goes beyond the basic comprehension of the origin of human beings.
- Learn new communication skills: Another aspect of Anthropology that is attractive and interesting is languages. In a world of billions, pinpointing the origins of languages and marking when some languages became ‘dead language’ is an important job in Anthropology.
- Understand the impact of society on humanity: Anthropology also digs into the psychology of human beings, their biological processes, neurological functions as a direct result of the societies.
- The programme serves as the stepping stone to further programmes like a PhD in Anthropology or an MPhil in Anthropology. One can also work in NGOs, archaeological organizations etc. in different job profiles after completing this course.
- MA Anthropology degree holders will be able to find jobs as an Archaeologist, Culture Resource Manager, Linguist, Research Scholar, Curator, Social Worker - Media House, Archivist, Tour Guide, Urban Planner etc.
- The average MA Anthropology salary in India ranges from INR 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 per annum currently.
What is the Admission Process for MA Anthropology?
The MA Anthropology Admission Process can vary as per the university rules and regulations. Some universities grant admission to students in MA Anthropology program based on merit. Some of the top-most Indian universities prefer conducting entrance exams to grant admission to qualified candidates.
The admission procedures followed in the Indian universities for admission to MA Anthropology course are given below.
Merit Based Admission
- Registration: Registration date opens up annually and announcements are made in advance by the colleges. Registration will be done online where a profile needs to be created.
- Filling up of application form: Once a profile has been created, login and start the application process. Fill up the application form with past educational achievements, job experience, internships and projects done etc.
- Scan and upload documents: Documents like mark sheets, photograph, signature and transfer certificates must be scanned and uploaded online to the portal. All documents must be in a specific format and size only to be accepted.
- Application fee: A minimal application fee has to be paid to process the application. Payment can be done using online payment methods.
- Admission: Colleges take a couple of weeks to process applications. If a candidate meets the cut offs and all other criteria then an offer letter for admission is released.
Entrance-Based Admission
The steps of the entrance-based admission are provided below:
- Registration: Students have to register for the entrance test by providing their email address, mobile number and password after which a login id will be created.
- Filling up of application form: On creation of login id, candidates are required to enter the required information correctly.
- Uploading of documents: In this step, candidates have to upload the necessary documents such as photograph, signature, id proof, Class 10 and 12 certificates, Bachelor’s degree etc.
- Application Fee: On uploading the requisite documents, students have to pay the requisite amount of application fee online.
- Issuing of Admit Card: Based on the details submitted by the students, the admission authority will issue the admit cards to the eligible students.
- Entrance Examination: After getting the admit card, exam dates will be released by different conducting bodies. Candidates have to sit for the entrance test and qualify the same to get admission.
- Declaration of Result: In the final stage, admission authorities will release the results of the entrance test they have appeared for.
- Enrolment: Successful candidates will then be allotted seats to the respective institutes.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Admission to MA Anthropology?
The minimum eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue an MA Anthropology from Indian universities are given below :
- Candidate must hold a bachelor degree in any stream, preferably in Anthropology, from a recognized institute in India
- Must have secured an aggregate of at least 55% marks in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
- An entrance exam score like BHU PET is needed for admissions.
Is There Any Entrance Exam for Admission to MA Anthropology course?
Each institute offering the program has its own written test for MA Anthropology course. Some also accept state wide entrance examinations too. The most popular entrance examinations are as follows.
-
BHU PET: the university conducts Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Post-graduate Entrance Test (PET) for admissions to the post-graduate courses offered by the university and its affiliated/constituent colleges in multiple streams.
The important dates of the top MA Anthropology entrance exams are given below :
| Exam name | Registration date | Exam date |
|---|---|---|
| PUBDET | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| APU UG NET |
Last date to apply For Round 1 – 26 November, 2022 Last date to apply For Round 2 – January to 16 March, 2023 |
National Entrance Test For Round 1 – December 24, 2022 National Entrance Test For Round 2 – April 16, 2023 |
| UPCET | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| TS EAMCET | - | 2nd week of July 2023 |
How to Prepare for MA Anthropology entrance exams?
Candidates are advised to follow the below-mentioned points to score well in the entrance examination:
- As entrance examinations vary from one university to another, it is recommended that students prepare for a list of target universities and their relevant admission tests.
- Knowledge of the relevant entrance examination and their respective patterns and syllabus will enable the candidate to prepare for the entrance exam more solemnly.
- Aspirants must have a good knowledge and a thorough understanding of the concepts related to Anthropology.
- The students must have a clear idea of the concepts and syllabus of the relevant entrance tests.
- Following the rules and regulations of the relevant examinations is another important point that the candidates have to keep in mind while attempting the entrance tests. Not paying heed to the guidelines can result in disqualification or such other unappreciative circumstances.
- Revise the basics of Anthropology covered in the bachelor’s level.
- Take care to ensure diet and health is at par. Falling sick right before exams would be detrimental.
How to get Admission in a Good MA Anthropology College?
There are a number of colleges that offer MA Anthropology program at the postgraduate level. It can be easy to get confused which institute to apply to. To ensure all career and personal goals are met from the institute and the program, refer to the following tips to get admission in a top college.
Check Top MA Anthropology Colleges in India here.
- Deadlines for application for exams and for merit based admissions must be kept track of. Dates are also changed often which must be noted too.
- For institutes that hold a personal interview round, being thorough with the basics of the chosen topic i.e. Anthropology is a must.
- Keep track of rankings of all colleges to ensure admission can be secured in a top college.
- Talk to mentors, teachers and seniors for help with the admissions process and the written test too.
What are the Subjects Covered in MA Anthropology Syllabus?
The MA Anthropology syllabus includes a comprehensive and integrative curriculum of both theoretical and practical study spread over the four semesters in two years. A semester-wise breakup of the general syllabus for MA Anthropology is given below in a tabulated form
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Social/Cultural Anthropology | Understanding Society and Culture |
| Physical/Biological Anthropology | Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy |
| Palaeo-anthropology | Tribal Anthropology |
| Research Methodology | Visual Anthropology |
| Practical: Skill Development Assessment | Practical: Physical Anthropology |
| Term Paper and Seminar Presentation | Practical: Palaeo-anthropology |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Specialization Course A | Specialization Course A |
| Tribal Studies I | Tribal Studies II |
| Theory and Method in Social-Cultural Anthropology | Indian Anthropology |
| Fieldwork | Anthropology of Children and Childhood II |
| Anthropology of Children and Childhood I | Resettlement and Rehabilitation II |
| Resettlement and Rehabilitation I | Specialization Course B |
| Specialization Course B | Human Population Genetics |
| Fundamentals of Human Genetics | Laboratory |
| Human Biology | Dissertation and Viva Voce |
| Fieldwork | Growth and Nutrition |
| Child Development | Applied Biological Anthropology |
| Applied Biology Anthropology I | __ |
Which are the Top Colleges for Studying MA Anthropology?
Several universities across India offer MA Anthropology. Some of the top universities among them are given below in a tabulated form along with their respective location, average annual fee, and NIRF ranking :
| College Name | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BHU, Varanasi | Entrance-Based | INR 30,000 |
| University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad | Entrance-Based | INR 7,220 |
| SPPU, Pune | Entrance-Based | INR 36,980 |
| Andhra University, Visakhapatnam | Merit-Based | INR 26,000 |
| University of Madras, Chennai | Merit-Based | INR 5,305 |
| Mysore University, Mysore | Merit-Based | INR 17,600 |
| MGU, Kottayam | Merit-Based | INR 20,200 |
| Gauhati University, Guwahati | Merit-Based | INR 12,395 |
| NEHU, Shillong | Merit-Based | INR 4,670 |
| PU, Puducherry | Merit-Based | INR 20,735 |
Source: College Websites
College Comparison for MA Anthropology
The comparison of the top three Indian universities offering MA Anthropology is given below in a tabular form along with their average annual fees, and average placement package offered:
| Parameters | BHU, Varanasi | University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad | SPPU, Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Also called the Central Hindu College, BHU is a top public university that was established in 1916 and offers a large number of programs at the UG, PG and Research level. | University of Hyderabad is a public research university located in Hyderabad. It was established in 1974. | SPPU is a collegiate public university located in Pune and is known for offering quality education to students. |
| NIRF Ranking 2020 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 30,000 | INR 7,220 | INR 36,980 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,50,000 | INR 6,60,000 | INR 5,10,000 |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. | Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. | Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. |
Source: College Websites
MA Anthropology Distance Learning
Students who are unable to pursue MA Anthropology course in regular mode can also pursue the same through Distance Learning mode. Before taking admission, Students must check for the validity of the course and the college in distance or correspondence mode.
- In order to be eligible for this course through correspondence mode students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or equivalent from a recognized university.
- The minimum duration required to complete this course from distance mode is 2 year and the maximum duration of the same is 5 years.
- Admission to MA Anthropology course through correspondence mode will be done based on the candidate's merit in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
- The average fee for the course ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 annually.
Given below are some colleges which offer this course through distance mode.
| College/ University Name | Admission Process | Average course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi | Merit-Based | INR 18,000 |
| Jiwaji University, Gwalior | Merit-Based | INR 15,640 |
MA Anthropology vs MSc Anthropology
Another course that is similar to MA Anthropology is MSc Anthropology. Both courses are similar in some aspects and vastly different in others. Also, check top MSc Anthropology colleges here.
To help make a clear distinction between both and decide on a programme to pursue, a table stating all points of difference has been made below.
| Parameters | MA Anthropology | MSc Anthropology |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | This is a two year course dealing with an in-depth study of Anthropology and its branches. | This is also a two year course in Anthropology with a difference in its approach. |
| Focus Area | Focus is more on research combined with classes. | Focus is more on theoretical classes with research. |
| Type of Degree | Postgraduate | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in any stream | BSc in Anthropology |
| Exam Type | Semester | Semester |
| Admission Process | Merit/ Entrance-Based | Merit/ Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | INR 5,000 to 2,00,000 | INR 25,000 to 1,50,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 3 to 10,00,000 per annum | INR 1,50,000 to 3,00,000 per annum |
| Job Profiles | Archaeologist, Culture Resource Manager, Linguist, Research Scholar, Curator, Social Worker - Media House, Archivist, Tour Guide, Urban Planner etc. | Museum Professional, Programme Assistant, Assistant Processor, Anthropologist |
| Top Recruiters | Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. | National Museum, UNESCO India, Anthropological Survey of India, Archives etc. |
Source: College Websites
MA Anthropology Course Specializations
Anthropology has a number of branches of studies that are popular and lead to attractive career paths. MA Anthropology allows candidates to choose a specialization to complete during the last two semesters of the programme. The most popular specializations of Anthropology are as follows.
- Cultural Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology concentrates on studying people of one specific culture. Understanding how they have changed over the generations and how they interact with people of other cultures is what is covered in this branch.
- Biological Anthropology: Also known as Physical Anthropology, this is that branch of Anthropology that studies the biological and behavioural aspects of human beings. This is done to know how diverse are humans and how they develop over the years.
- Forensic Anthropology: Forensic Anthropologists work in criminal cases analysing human remains to help solve cases. The study involves finding out the sex, age, stature, ancestry etc. in an attempt to identify the person.
- Linguistic Anthropology: As the name says, Linguistic Anthropology studies the languages and linguistics systems of human beings and their societies. It is an in-depth study of how languages affect societies.
The details about the specializations is provided in the table below:
| Specialization | Average Course Fee | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Anthropology | INR 1,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 |
| Biological Anthropology | INR 1,50,000 | INR 3,50,000 |
| Forensic Anthropology | INR 1,00,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Linguistic Anthropology | INR 2,00,000 | INR 3,00,000 |
What are the Career Options and Job Profiles Available After Completing MA Anthropology?
- Anthropology is an on demand career path and graduates are highly employable. After successfully completing MA Anthropology program, candidates can either seek employment or get admitted into higher studies.
- MA Anthropology degree holders will be able to find jobs in numerous sectors including Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Art Galleries, Conservation Organizations, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, Human Resource Departments of Corporate Houses and Industries etc.
- Jobs in this field are quite demanding and involve intensive travel to various parts of the country for work.
Some of the popular professional jobs available to MA Anthropology degree holders along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Name of Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeologist | An Archaeologist’s job is to look into the past and study the culture, societies and how people have changed accordingly. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Cultural Resource Manager | In a broad sense, a Cultural Resource Manager or CRM manages culture and heritage. The manager is entrusted with finding out which information is worth protecting and maintaining knowledge and passing it onto the next generation. | INR 8,40,000 |
| Linguist | Linguists study languages and the factors that influence it. They are hired in private and public organizations to translate, analyse, research and also interpret languages. | INR 3,05,000 |
| Curators | A Curator is responsible for the exhibitions and collections in museums and galleries. He seeks out articles to display in the museum while also dealing with loans and other enquiries. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Tour Guides | A Tour Guide accompanies groups of people through museums and historical sites informing them about the culture, history and heritage of the site. They are required to have a wide knowledge bank and good communication skills. | INR 2,97,000 |
Source: College Websites
What is the Future Scope After Completing a MA Anthropology Course?
Students who have completed their post-graduation in Anthropology have numerous career options. The future scopes for students of MA Anthropology are given below :
Higher and advanced education: Students can opt for higher advanced education and research opportunities after completing their MA Anthropology degree course. The higher education options they can pursue are :
- B.Ed.: For those who want to pursue a career as a school teacher in either public schools or private schools can consider enrolling in a B.Ed degree course. This course can provide them with the necessary insights required for teaching at different school levels.
- M.Phil.: Post-graduate students can opt for pursuing an M.Phil. degree in the discipline. This will present them with a scope to gain more thorough and intense knowledge over the subject and will provide them with opportunities for academic research.
- PhD: Students can also enrol in PhD programs in the discipline as per the area of their liking. Along with in-depth research and studies on the subject, this provides massive scope for further employment with higher pay-scales.
- Competitive Exams:Students, after completing their post-graduation in Anthropology, can appear in different competitive examinations for government jobs, including UPSC CSE, IFS, and PSC of different states.
- Junior Research Fellowship:Students can also appear for NTA-UGC NET-JRF that will grant them eligibility for employment as Assistant Professor in Indian colleges and universities, and also open up research avenues in top universities.
MA Anthropology FAQs
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for admission to this course?
Ans. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in relevant stream with at least 60% aggregate score. An entrance exam score is also needed in some institutes.
Ques. Can I pursue a career in the government sector after completion of my MA Anthropology degree?
Ans. Post-graduates in MA Anthropology will be able to get employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Moreover, you can also opt for appearing in competitive government exams like UPSC CSE, IFS, PSC of different states, teacher and professors at government schools and universities.
Ques. What are the entrance exams that are accepted for MA Anthropology admissions?
Ans. The accepted entrance exams are BHU PET, UoH Written Test, Pondicherry University Written Test etc.
Ques. What is the difference between MSc Anthropology and MA Anthropology?
Ans. MA Anthropology focuses more on the research aspect of Anthropology while the MSc degree focuses more on the theoretical and scientific study of the subject.
Ques. What is the average course fee for the programme?
Ans. The average course fee is around INR 5,000 to 2,00,000.
Ques. What is the admission process followed by Indian Colleges for admission to this program?
Ans. Admissions to this course will be done based on merit in the qualifying examination. However, there are some college which offer admission through an entrance exam and a personal interview round.
Ques. What is the average placement package that a student gets on completion of this course?
Ans. One can get an average salary ranging between INR 3,00,000 and 10,00,000 per annum after completing this course?
Ques. How can I become an Anthropology Teacher?
Ans. If you want to become an Anthropology teacher, you need to complete your MA Anthropology course. Then you can pursue a B.Ed. degree that will provide you with all the necessary skills required for teaching school students at different levels.
Ques. What are the employment areas for MA Anthropology postgraduates?
Ans. The employment areas for MA Anthropology degree holders include both public and private sectors. There are a large number of job opportunities in research facilities and organizations, academic institutions, Anthropological Survey of India, Archives, Art Galleries, Conservation Organizations, Forensic Science Departments, Historical Societies, World Health Organization etc. on completion of this course.
Ques. Is it necessary to appear for entrance exams for taking admission to MA Anthropology course?
Ans. The premier universities in India prefer conducting entrance examinations for admission to MA Anthropology course. Whereas many Indian universities grant admission to students based on their merit in the qualifying exam. So if you want to take admission in a top Indian university, entrance exams are pretty important.
Ques. Is MA Anthropology necessary to pursue a PhD Anthropology course?
Ans. Yes, either MA or MSc in Anthropology is essential for pursuing an advanced degree course like a PhD in Anthropology. So, if you want to pursue a PhD Anthropology program, you have to complete your post graduation in Anthropology successfully.
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